NitrousOxide Experiments with Nitrous Oxide Legal Notice: This website provides instructions for the generation of gases on a microscale level along with instructions for chemical demonstrations and student laboratory experiments with the gases. This site is designed for use by chemistry teachers at the high school and university level. Students and other interested readers are welcome to visit the site to learn more about chemistry but are hereby advised not to perform or attempt to perform any of the instructions provided herein without proper supervision by someone qualified and competent in chemistry. Be advised that irresponsible use of chemicals may cause injury and may be unlawful in your area. USA Copyright 2001, 2003, 2017. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the website owner, Bruce Mattson (eMail: brucemattson@creighton.edu). For classroom use by teachers, one copy per student in the class may be made free of charge and without further permission. For all others, one copy may be made without further permission. Individuals using this website and performing the experiments described herein accept full responsibility for all that results directly or indirectly from these activities.

Bruce Mattson, all co-authors and Creighton University shall be absolved of any and all responsibility for the result of activities conducted from information and instructions provided in this website. If you agree to these conditions, click Chapter 23 for Nitrous Oxide Preparation and Experiments from this link: How Laughing Gas or Nitrous Oxide Works How Laughing Gas or Nitrous Oxide Works How Laughing Gas or Nitrous Oxide Works What Laughing Gas Does in the Body Laughing gas reduces pain and anxiety by binding to a host of receptors in the brain. Andersen Ross, Getty Images By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Updated August 25, 2015. Laughing gas or nitrous oxide is used in the dentist's office to reduce patient anxiety and relieve pain. It's also a common recreational drug. Have you ever wondered how laughing gas works? Here's a look at how laughing gas reacts in the body and whether it's safe or not. What Is Laughing Gas? Laughing gas is the common name for nitrous oxide or N2O. It is also known as nitrous, nitro, or NOS.

It's a nonflammable, colorless gas that has a slightly sweet flavor and odor. In addition to its use in rockets and to boost engine performance for motor racing, laughing gas has several medical applications. It has been used in dentistry and surgery as an analgesic and anesthetic since 1844, when dentist Dr. Horace Wells used it on himself during a tooth extraction. Since that time, its used has become commonplace in medicine, plus the euphoric effect from inhaling the gas has led to use as a recreation drug. How Laughing Gas Works Although the gas has been used for a long time, the exact mechanism of its action in the body is incompletely understood, in part because the various effects depend upon different reactions. continue reading below our video 10 Facts About the Titanic That You Don't Know In general, nitrous oxide moderates several ligand -gated ion channels. Specifically, the mechanisms for the effects are: Anxiolytic or Anti-Anxiety Effect Studies indicate the anti-anxiety effect from inhalation of laughing gas derives from increased activity of GABAA receptors.

The GABAA receptor acts as the central nervous system's principal inhibitory neurotransmitter Painkiller or Analgesic Effect Laughing gas reduces the perception of pain by facilitating an interaction between the descending noradrenergic system and the endogenous opioid system. Nitrous oxide causes the release of endogenous opioids, but how this happens is unknown. Euphoria Effect Nitrous produces euphoria by causing dopamine to be released, which stimulates the mesolimbic reward pathway in the brain. This contributes to the analgesic effect, too. Is Nitrous Oxide Safe? When you get laughing gas at the dentist's or doctor's office, it's very safe. A mask is used to first administer pure oxygen and then a mixture of oxygen and laughing gas. The effects on vision, hearing, manual dexterity, and mental performance are temporary. Nitrous oxide has both neurotoxic and neuroprotective effects, but limited exposure to the chemical tends not to cause a permanent effect, one way or the other. The primary risks from laughing gas is from inhaling a compressed gas directly from its canister, which could cause severe lung damage or death.

Without supplemental oxygen, inhaling nitrous oxide can cause hypoxia or oxygen deprivation effects, including lightheadedness, fainting, low blood pressure, and potentially a heart attack. These risks are comparable to those of inhaling helium gas . Prolonged or repeated exposure to laughing gas can lead to a vitamin B12 deficiency, reproductive problems in pregnant women, and numbness. Because very little nitrous oxide is absorbed by the body, a person inhaling laughing gas breathes out most of it. This can lead to risks to medical personnel who routinely use the gas in their practice. Overview of Greenhouse Gases | Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions | US EPA Overview of Greenhouse Gases Total Emissions in 2014 = 6,870 Million Metric Tons of CO2 equivalent . Larger image to save or print. Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are called greenhouse gases. This section provides information on emissions and removals of the main greenhouse gases to and from the atmosphere. For more information on the science of climate change and other climate forcers, such as black carbon, please visit Climate Change Science .

6,870 million metric tons of CO2: What does that mean? An explanation of units: A million metric tons is equal to about 2.2 billion pounds, or 1 trillion grams. For comparison, a small car is likely to weigh a little more than 1 metric ton. Thus, a million metric tons is roughly the same mass as 1 million small cars! The U.S. Inventory uses metric units for consistency and comparability with other countries. For reference, a metric ton is a little bit larger (about 10%) than a U.S. "short" ton. GHG emissions are often measured in carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent. To convert emissions of a gas into CO2 equivalent, its emissions are multiplied by the gas's Global Warming Potential (GWP) . The GWP takes into account the fact that many gases are more effective at warming Earth than CO2, per unit mass. The GWP values appearing in the Emissions webpages reflect the values used in the U.S. Inventory, which are drawn from the IPCC’s Fourth Assessment Report (AR4). For further discussion of GWPs and an estimate of GHG emissions using updated GWPs, see Annex 6 of the U.S.

Inventory and the IPCC's discussion on GWPs . Exit Carbon dioxide (CO2) : Carbon dioxide enters the atmosphere through burning fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and oil), solid waste, trees and wood products, and also as a result of certain chemical reactions (e.g., manufacture of cement). Carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere (or "sequestered") when it is absorbed by plants as part of the biological carbon cycle. Methane (CH4) : Methane is emitted during the production and transport of coal, natural gas, and oil. Methane emissions also result from livestock and other agricultural practices and by the decay of organic waste in municipal solid waste landfills. Nitrous oxide (N2O) : Nitrous oxide is emitted during agricultural and industrial activities, as well as during combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste. Fluorinated gases : Hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, sulfur hexafluoride, and nitrogen trifluoride are synthetic, powerful greenhouse gases that are emitted from a variety of industrial processes.

Fluorinated gases are sometimes used as substitutes for stratospheric ozone-depleting substances (e.g., chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, and halons). These gases are typically emitted in smaller quantities, but because they are potent greenhouse gases, they are sometimes referred to as High Global Warming Potential gases ("High GWP gases"). Each gas's effect on climate change depends on three main factors: How much of these gases are in the atmosphere? Concentration, or abundance, is the amount of a particular gas in the air. Larger emissions of greenhouse gases lead to higher concentrations in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gas concentrations are measured in parts per million, parts per billion, and even parts per trillion. One part per million is equivalent to one drop of water diluted into about 13 gallons of liquid (roughly the fuel tank of a compact car). To learn more about the increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, visit the Causes of Climate Change and the Climate Change Indicators: Atmospheric Concentrations of Greenhouse Gases pages. How long do they stay in the atmosphere?

Each of these gases can remain in the atmosphere for different amounts of time, ranging from a few years to thousands of years. All of these gases remain in the atmosphere long enough to become well mixed, meaning that the amount that is measured in the atmosphere is roughly the same all over the world, regardless of the source of the emissions. How strongly do they impact global temperatures? Some gases are more effective than others at making the planet warmer and "thickening the Earth's blanket." For each greenhouse gas, a Global Warming Potential (GWP) has been calculated to reflect how long it remains in the atmosphere, on average, and how strongly it absorbs energy. Gases with a higher GWP absorb more energy, per pound, than gases with a lower GWP, and thus contribute more to warming Earth. Global Warming Potential (100-year): 1 Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the primary greenhouse gas emitted through human activities. In 2014, CO2 accounted for about 80.9% of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions from human activities.

Carbon dioxide is naturally present in the atmosphere as part of the Earth's carbon cycle (the natural circulation of carbon among the atmosphere, oceans, soil, plants, and animals). Human activities are altering the carbon cycle–both by adding more CO2 to the atmosphere and by influencing the ability of natural sinks, like forests, to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. While CO2 emissions come from a variety of natural sources, human-related emissions are responsible for the increase that has occurred in the atmosphere since the industrial revolution. 1 Note: All emission estimates from the Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990–2014 . Larger image to save or print. The main human activity that emits CO2 is the combustion of fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and oil) for energy and transportation, although certain industrial processes and land-use changes also emit CO2. The main sources of CO2 emissions in the United States are described below. Electricity . Electricity is a significant source of energy in the United States and is used to power homes, business, and industry.

The combustion of fossil fuels to generate electricity is the largest single source of CO2 emissions in the nation, accounting for about 37 percent of total U.S. CO2 emissions and 30 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2014. The type of fossil fuel used to generate electricity will emit different amounts of CO2. To produce a given amount of electricity, burning coal will produce more CO2 than oil or natural gas. Transportation . The combustion of fossil fuels such as gasoline and diesel to transport people and goods is the second largest source of CO2 emissions, accounting for about 31 percent of total U.S. CO2 emissions and 25 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2014. This category includes transportation sources such as highway vehicles, air travel, marine transportation, and rail. Industry . Many industrial processes emit CO2 through fossil fuel combustion. Several processes also produce CO2 emissions through chemical reactions that do not involve combustion; for example, the production and consumption of mineral products such as cement, the production of metals such as iron and steel, and the production of chemicals.

Fossil fuel combustion from various industrial processes accounted for about 15 percent of total U.S. CO2 emissions and 12 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2014. Note that many industrial processes also use electricity and therefore indirectly cause the emissions from the electricity production. Carbon dioxide is constantly being exchanged among the atmosphere, ocean, and land surface as it is both produced and absorbed by many microorganisms, plants, and animals. However, emissions and removal of CO2 by these natural processes tend to balance. Since the Industrial Revolution began around 1750, human activities have contributed substantially to climate change by adding CO2 and other heat-trapping gases to the atmosphere. In the United States, since 1990, the management of forests and non-agricultural land has acted as a net sink of CO2, which means that more CO2 is removed from the atmosphere, and stored in plants and trees, than is emitted. This sink offset about 11 percent of total emissions in 2014 and is discussed in more detail in the Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry section.

To find out more about the role of CO2 warming the atmosphere and its sources, visit the Causes of Climate Change page and the Climate Change Indicators page in the Science section. Emissions and Trends Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the United States increased by about 9 percent between 1990 and 2014. Since the combustion of fossil fuel is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, changes in emissions from fossil fuel combustion have historically been the dominant factor affecting total U.S. emission trends. Changes in CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion are influenced by many long-term and short-term factors, including population growth, economic growth, changing energy prices, new technologies, changing behavior, and seasonal temperatures. Between 1990 and 2014, the increase in CO2 emissions corresponded with increased energy use by an expanding economy and population, and an overall growth in emissions from electricity generation. Transportation emissions also contributed to the 9 percent increase, largely due to an increase in miles traveled by motor vehicles. Larger image to save or print. Reducing Carbon Dioxide Emissions The most effective way to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is to reduce fossil fuel consumption.

Many strategies for reducing CO2 emissions from energy are cross-cutting and apply to homes, businesses, industry, and transportation. EPA is taking common sense regulatory actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our nation's largest sources, including power plants and motor vehicles. Examples of How Emissions Can be Reduced Energy Efficiency Improving the insulation of buildings, traveling in more fuel-efficient vehicles, and using more efficient electrical appliances are all ways to reduce energy consumption, and thus CO2 emissions. See EPA's ENERGY STAR® program for more information on energy-efficient appliances. See EPA's and DOE's fueleconomy.gov site for more information on fuel-efficient vehicles. Learn about EPA's motor vehicle standards that improve vehicle efficiency and save drivers money. Energy Conservation Reducing personal energy use by turning off lights and electronics when not in use reduces electricity demand. Reducing distance traveled in vehicles reduces petroleum consumption. Both are ways to reduce energy CO2 emissions through conservation. Learn more about What You Can Do at Home , at School , in the Office , and on the Road to save energy and reduce your carbon footprint. Fuel Switching Producing more energy from renewable sources and using fuels with lower carbon contents are ways to reduce carbon emissions.

Carbon Capture and Sequestration Carbon dioxide capture and sequestration is a set of technologies that can potentially greatly reduce CO2 emissions from new and existing coal- and gas-fired power plants, industrial processes, and other stationary sources of CO2. Learn more . * Carbon dioxide's lifetime is poorly defined because the gas is not destroyed over time, but instead moves among different parts of the ocean-atmosphere-land system. Some of the excess carbon dioxide will be absorbed quickly (for example, by the ocean surface), but some will remain in the atmosphere for thousands of years, due in part to the very slow process by which carbon is transferred to ocean sediments. References Global Warming Potential (100-year): 25 Methane (CH4) is the second most prevalent greenhouse gas emitted in the United States from human activities. In 2014, CH4 accounted for about 11 percent of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. Methane is emitted by natural sources such as wetlands, as well as human activities such as leakage from natural gas systems and the raising of livestock. Natural processes in soil and chemical reactions in the atmosphere help remove CH4 from the atmosphere.

Methane's lifetime in the atmosphere is much shorter than carbon dioxide (CO2), but CH4 is more efficient at trapping radiation than CO2. Pound for pound, the comparative impact of CH4 on climate change is more than 25 times greater than CO2 over a 100-year period. Globally, over 60 percent of total CH4 emissions come from human activities. 1 Methane is emitted from industry, agriculture, and waste management activities, described below. Note: All emission estimates from the Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990–2014 . Larger image to save or print. Industry . Natural gas and petroleum systems are the largest source of CH4 emissions from industry in the United States. Methane is the primary component of natural gas. Some CH4 is emitted to the atmosphere during the production, processing, storage, transmission, and distribution of natural gas. Because gas is often found alongside petroleum, the production, refinement, transportation, and storage of crude oil is also a source of CH4 emissions. For more information, see the Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks sections on Natural Gas Systems and Petroleum Systems.

Agriculture . Domestic livestock such as cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and camels produce large amounts of CH4 as part of their normal digestive process. Also, when animals' manure is stored or managed in lagoons or holding tanks, CH4 is produced. Because humans raise these animals for food, the emissions are considered human-related. Globally, the Agriculture sector is the primary source of CH4 emissions. For more information, see the Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks Agriculture chapter. Waste from Homes and Businesses . Methane is generated in landfills as waste decomposes and in the treatment of wastewater. Landfills are the third largest source of CH4 emissions in the United States. For more information see the U.S. Inventory's Waste chapter. Methane is also emitted from a number of natural sources. Wetlands are the largest source, emitting CH4 from bacteria that decompose organic materials in the absence of oxygen. Smaller sources include termites, oceans, sediments, volcanoes, and wildfires.

To find out more about the role of CH4 in warming the atmosphere, and its sources, visit the Causes of Climate Change page and the Climate Change Indicators page in the Science section. Emissions and Trends Methane (CH4) emissions in the United States decreased by 6 percent between 1990 and 2014. During this time period, emissions increased from sources associated with agricultural activities, while emissions decreased from sources associated with the exploration and production of natural gas and petroleum products. Note: All emission estimates from the Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2014 . These estimates use a global warming potential for methane of 25, based on reporting requirements under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Larger image to save or print. Reducing Methane Emissions There are a number of ways to reduce methane (CH4) emissions. Some examples are discussed below. EPA has a series of voluntary programs for reducing CH4 emissions, and is supporting the president's Strategy to Reduce Methane Emissions (15 pp, 1.9 M, About PDF ).

EPA also supports the Global Methane Initiative Exit , an international partnership encouraging global methane reduction strategies. Examples of Reduction Opportunities for Methane Emissions Source How Emissions Can be Reduced Industry Upgrading the equipment used to produce, store, and transport oil and gas can reduce many of the leaks that contribute to CH4 emissions. Methane from coal mines can also be captured and used for energy. Learn more about the EPA's Natural Gas STAR Program and Coalbed Methane Outreach Program . Agriculture Methane can be reduced and captured by altering manure management strategies at livestock operations or animal feeding practices. Learn more about these strategies and EPA's AgSTAR Program . Waste from Homes and Businesses Because CH4 emissions from landfill gas are a major source of CH4 emissions in the United States, emission controls that capture landfill CH4 are an effective reduction strategy. Learn more about these opportunities and the EPA's Landfill Methane Outreach Program . References Global Warming Potential (100-year): 298 In 2014, nitrous oxide (N2O) accounted for about 6 percent of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions from human activities.

Nitrous oxide is naturally present in the atmosphere as part of the Earth's nitrogen cycle, and has a variety of natural sources. However, human activities such as agriculture, fossil fuel combustion, wastewater management, and industrial processes are increasing the amount of N2O in the atmosphere. Nitrous oxide molecules stay in the atmosphere for an average of 114 years before being removed by a sink or destroyed through chemical reactions. The impact of 1 pound of N2O on warming the atmosphere is almost 300 times that of 1 pound of carbon dioxide. Globally, about 40 percent of total N2O emissions come from human activities. 1 Nitrous oxide is emitted from agriculture, transportation, and industry activities, described below. Note: All emission estimates from the Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990–2014 . Larger image to save or print. Agriculture . Nitrous oxide is emitted when people add nitrogen to the soil through the use of synthetic fertilizers. Agricultural soil management is the largest source of N2O emissions in the United States, accounting for about 79 percent of total U.S.

N2O emissions in 2014. Nitrous oxide is also emitted during the breakdown of nitrogen in livestock manure and urine, which contributed to 4 percent of N2O emissions in 2014. Transportation . Nitrous oxide is emitted when transportation fuels are burned. Motor vehicles, including passenger cars and trucks, are the primary source of N2O emissions from transportation. The amount of N2O emitted from transportation depends on the type of fuel and vehicle technology, maintenance, and operating practices. Industry . Nitrous oxide is generated as a byproduct during the production of nitric acid, which is used to make synthetic commercial fertilizer, and in the production of adipic acid, which is used to make fibers, like nylon, and other synthetic products. Nitrous oxide emissions occur naturally through many sources associated with the nitrogen cycle, which is the natural circulation of nitrogen among the atmosphere, plants, animals, and microorganisms that live in soil and water. Nitrogen takes on a variety of chemical forms throughout the nitrogen cycle, including N2O. Natural emissions of N2O are mainly from bacteria breaking down nitrogen in soils and the oceans.

Nitrous oxide is removed from the atmosphere when it is absorbed by certain types of bacteria or destroyed by ultraviolet radiation or chemical reactions. To find out more about the role of N2O in warming the atmosphere and its sources, visit the Causes of Climate Change page and the Climate Change Indicators page in the Science section. Emissions and Trends Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in the United States have decreased by 1 percent between 1990 and 2014. This decrease in emissions is due in part to a decrease in emissions from mobile combustion resulting from emission control standards for on-road vehicles. Nitrous oxide emissions from agricultural soils have varied during this period and were about 5 percent higher in 2014 than in 1990. Going forward, N2O emissions are projected to increase by 5 percent between 2005 and 2020, driven largely by increases in emissions from agricultural activities. 2 There are a number of ways to reduce emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O), discussed below.

Examples of Reduction Opportunities for Nitrous Oxide Emissions Emissions Source Examples of How Emissions Can be Reduced Agriculture The application of fertilizers accounts for the majority of N2O emissions. Emissions can be reduced by reducing nitrogen-based fertilizer applications and applying fertilizers more efficiently, 3 as well as following better manure management practices. Transportation Nitrous oxide is a byproduct of fuel combustion, so reducing mobile fuel consumption in motor vehicles can reduce transportation emissions. Additionally, the introduction of pollution control technologies, such as catalytic converters to reduce exhaust pollutants from passenger cars, can also reduce emissions of N2O. Industry Nitrous oxide is generally emitted from industry through fossil fuel combustion, so technological upgrades and fuel switching are effective ways to reduce industry emissions of N2O. Production of adipic acid results in N2O emissions that can be reduced through technological upgrades. References NF3: 17,200 SF6: 22,800 Unlike many other greenhouse gases, fluorinated gases have no natural sources and only come from human-related activities. They are emitted through a variety of industrial processes such as aluminum and semiconductor manufacturing.

Many fluorinated gases have very high global warming potentials (GWPs) relative to other greenhouse gases, so small atmospheric concentrations can have large effects on global temperatures. They can also have long atmospheric lifetimes—in some cases, lasting thousands of years. Like other long-lived greenhouse gases, fluorinated gases are well-mixed in the atmosphere, spreading around the world after they are emitted. Fluorinated gases are removed from the atmosphere only when they are destroyed by sunlight in the far upper atmosphere. In general, fluorinated gases are the most potent and longest lasting type of greenhouse gases emitted by human activities. There are four main categories of fluorinated gases—hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3). The largest sources of fluorinated gas emissions are described below. Larger image to save or print. Substitution for Ozone-Depleting Substances. Hydrofluorocarbons are used as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, solvents, and fire retardants.

The major emissions source of these compounds is their use as refrigerants—for example, in air conditioning systems in both vehicles and buildings. These chemicals were developed as a replacement for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) because they do not deplete the stratospheric ozone layer. Chlorofluorocarbons and HCFCs are being phased out under an international agreement, called the Montreal Protocol. Unfortunately, HFCs are potent greenhouse gases with long atmospheric lifetimes and high GWPs, and they are released into the atmosphere through leaks, servicing, and disposal of equipment in which they are used. Industry. Perfluorocarbons are compounds produced as a byproduct of various industrial processes associated with aluminum production and the manufacturing of semiconductors. Like HFCs, PFCs generally have long atmospheric lifetimes and high GWPs. Sulfur hexafluoride is used in magnesium processing and semiconductor manufacturing, as well as a tracer gas for leak detection. HFC-23 is produced as a byproduct of HCFC-22 production. Transmission and Distribution of Electricity.

Sulfur hexafluoride is used in electrical transmission equipment, including circuit breakers. The GWP of SF6 is 22,800, making it the most potent greenhouse gas that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has evaluated. To find out more about the role of fluorinated gases in warming the atmosphere, and their sources, visit the Causes of Climate Change page and the Climate Change Indicators page in the Science section. Emissions and Trends Overall, fluorinated gas emissions in the United States have increased by about 77 percent between 1990 and 2014. This increase has been driven by a 258 percent increase in emissions of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) since 1990, as they have been widely used as a substitute for ozone-depleting substances. Emissions of perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) have actually declined during this time due to emission reduction efforts in the aluminum production industry (PFCs) and the electricity transmission and distribution industry (SF6).

Going forward, HFC emissions are projected to grow by nearly 141 percent between 2005 and 2020 as demands for refrigeration continue to grow and as more ozone-depleting substances are replaced. During this same period, emissions of SF6 are expected to decline by over 25 percent, while emissions of PFCs are projected to remain flat. Since the emissions from HFCs are far greater than the emissions of the other gases on a carbon dioxide-equivalence basis, substantial growth in emissions of fluorinated gases is expected to continue. 1 Larger image to save or print. Reducing Fluorinated Gas Emissions Because most fluorinated gases have a very long atmospheric lifetime, it will take many years to see a noticeable decline in current concentrations. However, there are a number of ways to reduce emissions of fluorinated gases, described below. Examples of Reduction Opportunities for Fluorinated Gases Emissions Source The PFC Reduction/Climate Partnership for the Semiconductor Industry Electricity Transmission and Distribution Sulfur hexafluoride is an extremely potent greenhouse gas that is used for several purposes when transmitting electricity through the power grid.

EPA is working with industry to reduce emissions through the SF6 Emission Reduction Partnership for Electric Power Systems , which promotes leak detection and repair, use of recycling equipment, and employee training. Transportation Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are released through the leakage of refrigerants used in vehicle air-conditioning systems. Leakage can be reduced through better system components, and through the use of alternative refrigerants with lower global warming potentials than those presently used. One important way the EPA is working to reduce HFC emissions is through its light-duty and heavy-duty vehicle standards . References (10 pp, 577 K, About PDF ). U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC, USA. What is the more common name for Nitrous Oxide? - YouTube What is the more common name for Nitrous Oxide? Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Published on Jul 29, 2013 This improves the knowledge of the children indirectly as they never know that they are learning.

- Category Compressed Gas Association Nitrous oxide fact sheet What is nitrous oxide? Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a clear, colorless, oxidizing liquefied gas with a slightly sweet odor. The product is stable at room temperature. While classified by the U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT) as a nonflammable gas, nitrous oxide will support combustion and can detonate at temperatures in excess of 650 °C (1202 °F). Contact your supplier to obtain a nitrous oxide Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for information on the safe handling and security of this product. What are the principal applications of nitrous oxide? Nitrous oxide finds beneficial use in a number of legitimate applications such as: Medical/dental anesthesia and analgesia Chemical manufacturing Auto racing engine injection Nitrous oxide is blended with oxygen when used in anesthesia applications. Pure nitrous oxide will cause asphyxiation, resulting ultimately in respiratory arrest. Nitrous oxide in auto racing applications is denatured to deter inhalation. Nitrous oxide, used in food propellant applications, is typically supplied to commercial packagers of pressurized food dispensing containers.

Effects of nitrous oxide on the human body Nitrous oxide's painkilling and numbing qualities begin to take effect when the gas is inhaled at concentrations of 10 percent. At increasingly higher concentrations, a sense of well-being, or "high," is experienced. A person experiencing a nitrous oxide high could: Have slurred speech Have difficulty in maintaining his or her balance or walking Be slow to respond to questions Be immune to any stimulus such as pain, loud noises, and speech Lapse into unconsciousness Nitrous oxide that is inhaled over a long period of time can lead to a vitamin B12 deficiency. When the level of vitamin B12 in the body is reduced, the red blood cell count is lowered, anemia results, and nerves degenerate. A vitamin B12 deficiency causes a person to; have painful sensations in the arms or legs; have an unsteady walk or gait; become unbalanced and tend to fall over; feel or appear to be irritable; suffer intellectual deterioration. What Are the Dangers? Nitrous Oxide readily displaces air, causing asphyxiation.

A person who is rendered unconscious by nitrous oxide is likely to stop breathing within a few seconds as a result of a depressed central nervous system--brain, brain stem, and spinal cord. Depression is caused by a combination of the effects of nitrous oxide and the lowered oxygen content that occurs as pure nitrous oxide displaces oxygen from the lungs with each succeeding inhalation of the gas; i.e., the person is asphyxiated. Tragedy can occur very quickly. Long-term exposure (several minutes) is not necessary before death occurs. Sudden, prolonged exposure to high levels of nitrous oxide, or a series of inhalations (without breathing clean air between inhalations) can result in death. The length of this action can be measured in seconds. Since the narcotic effect of nitrous oxide is very brief (several seconds) abusers tend to follow this repetitive action pattern. If a person remains conscious and stops breathing the nitrous oxide, recovery (full consciousness and alertness) can occur within minutes. A person who loses consciousness, however, and continues to inhale a pure gas is most likely to die.

Death usually occurs when abusers, in their attempt to achieve a higher state of euphoria, breathe pure nitrous oxide in a confined space -- in a small room, inside an automobile or other vehicle cab, or by placing their head inside a plastic bag. If death does not occur, the person who suffers from these symptoms may recover from all of them. The debilitating process is reversible, although some persons have experienced permanent loss of balance. Abuse of nitrous oxide as an inhalant is on the rise, as is evidenced by the increased media attention to the subject. Its abuse has grown significantly at concert venues and on college campuses. Dealers will typically fill balloons with nitrous oxide and sell them. Police and other enforcement officials have found empty and/or discarded cylinders at the end of concerts. In some cases, dealers have removed required labels that identify cylinder contents and that provide information about safe use. While most of the publicity regarding nitrous oxide abuse focuses on its occurrence at concerts, nitrous oxide abuse for recreational purposes is equally prevalent among individuals and small groups in settings far removed from the concert hall.

Theft of cylinders has made nitrous oxide available to people who are seeking the euphoric qualities of the gas, but who are unaware of the hazards of abusing nitrous oxide. People typically steal the cylinders from distributors or legitimate users or falsely represent themselves as legitimate users. Guidelines to prevent nitrous oxide theft CGA recommends the following guidelines for nitrous oxide sales and security. These guidelines are intended to help implement principles of product stewardship and to identify sufficiently responsible control measures that will minimize the theft of nitrous oxide and deter its abuse. These guidelines are established for the following groups: -- PRODUCERS -- Producers are anyone who produces nitrous oxide and then purifies, compresses, and liquefies this product for storage, shipment, and sale to a second party.

It is recommended that producers: Establish a written sales policy that identifies legitimate applications for nitrous oxide, that may include but is not limited to medical, industrial, and food-based uses; Restrict sale of nitrous oxide to those who can substantiate the legitimate use of nitrous oxide, as enumerated above; Establish a written policy that clearly defines conditions for cash sales of nitrous oxide (e.g., all cash sales must be accompanied by a driver's license and a certified document that identifies the company or medical practice that will use the product); Provide customers with a current SDS and any additional instructions for proper use and safe handling practices; Provide this nitrous oxide fact sheet to customers; Alert employees and customers to the dangers of nitrous oxide abuse. Non-Bulk producers should keep an inventory of both full and empty cylinders and investigate any discrepancies. Bulk producers (having large non-portable storage containers) should have a policy to investigate any tampering or vandalism of their bulk storage container. -- COMMERCIAL CARRIERS -- Commercial carriers are anyone who transports for hire nitrous oxide by road, rail, sea, or air.

It is recommended that commercial carriers: Take appropriate steps to prevent the theft of nitrous oxide cylinders, both full and empty, since empty cylinders may contain residual product; Keep cylinders in a secure area when on company premises; Do not leave a delivery vehicle unattended without limiting access to nitrous oxide cylinders; Keep an inventory of both full and empty cylinders and investigate any discrepancies; Report any thefts promptly to the police and the shipper; Alert employees to the dangers of nitrous oxide abuse and train them on the special security measures they should take to prevent its theft. -- CONTAINER FILLERS OR DISTRIBUTORS -- Container fillers and distributors are anyone who transfers nitrous oxide from a bulk vessel to cylinders, and anyone who sells nitrous oxide to medical, industrial, food, and other legitimate users.

It is recommended that container fillers or distributors: Establish a written sales policy that identifies legitimate applications for nitrous oxide, that may include but is not limited to medical, industrial and food-based uses; Restrict sale of nitrous oxide to those who can substantiate the legitimate use of nitrous oxide, as enumerated above; Establish a written policy that clearly defines conditions for cash sales of nitrous oxide (e.g., all cash sales must be accompanied by a driver's license and a certified document that identifies the company or medical practice that will use the product); Sell denatured (e.g., rendered unfit for human consumption) nitrous oxide for enhancing performance of internal combustion engines, so as to deter abuse; Screen existing nitrous oxide accounts to assure that all are legitimate users of nitrous oxide and for unexpected changes in ordering patterns, cylinder balances, or other indications of increased consumption beyond their normal order pattern; Provide customers with a current SDS and any additional instructions for proper use and safe handling practices; Provide this nitrous oxide fact sheet to customers; Take the following steps to prevent the theft of nitrous oxide cylinders, both full and empty, since empty cylinders may also contain residual product: Keep cylinders in a secure area when on company premises; Do not leave a delivery vehicle

 unattended without limiting access to nitrous oxide cylinders; Keep an inventory of both full and empty cylinders and investigate any discrepancies; Report any thefts promptly to the police and the supplier; Alert employees and customers to the dangers of nitrous oxide abuse and train them on the special security measures they should take to prevent its theft.

-- LEGITIMATE USERS -- Legitimate users are anyone who can substantiate a medical, industrial, food, or other legitimate use for nitrous oxide. It is recommended that legitimate users: Minimize theft and indiscriminate use of nitrous oxide by storing containers and utilization equipment in a secured area subject to removal by authorized personnel only; Keep an inventory of bulk product and or containers (both full and empty) and investigate any discrepancies; Report any thefts promptly to the police and the shipper; Use denatured (e.g., rendered unfit for human consumption) nitrous oxide, if required, for enhancing performance of internal combustion engines, so as to deter abuse; Alert employees to the dangers of nitrous oxide abuse and train them on the special security measures they should take to prevent its theft; Provide employees with a current SDS and any additional instructions for proper use and safe handling practices. Contact your supplier to obtain a nitrous oxide Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for information on the safe handling and security of this product.

Compressed Gas Association, 14501 George Carter Way, Suite 103, Chantilly VA 20151-1788 Phone: 703-788-2700; Fax: 703-961-1831; Email: cga@cganet.com Laughing Gas - Nitrous Oxide - Relative Analgesia - Inhalation Sedation Inhalation Sedation Inhalation Sedation (Laughing Gas) Inhalation sedation, laughing gas, relative analgesia, RA, happy gas, gas and air, nitrous, nitrous oxide, N2O-O2… this one has more names than any other sedation technique! And deservedly so. Inhalation sedation with nitrous oxide (N2O) and oxygen (O2) has been described as “representing the most nearly ‘ideal’ clinical sedative circumstance”… What is it? And what does it do? Nitrous oxide (N2O) is simply a gas which you can breathe in. It has no color, smell, and doesn’t irritate. It was discovered in 1772.

Humphrey Davy (1778-1829), one of the pioneers of N2O experimentation, described the effects of N2O on himself following self-administration for a toothache and gum infection as follows: “On the day when the inflammation was the most troublesome, I breathed three large doses of nitrous oxide. The pain always diminished after the first four or five inspirations; the thrilling came on as usual, and uneasiness was for a few minutes swallowed up in pleasure.” Sounds like fun!! The extract above pretty much summarizes the effects of nitrous oxide: it kills pain – and it induces a pleasurable feeling. After 5 minutes or so of breathing in the gas, you should feel a euphoric feeling spread throughout your body. It really kind of feels like a ‘happy drunk’ feeling. Some people find that there are auditory or visual effects as well. You will feel a bit light headed and often people get ‘the giggles’ (hence the name laughing gas!).

As an interesting aside, nitrous oxide was one of the drugs of choice for young people in the late 1700s and early 1800s, when laughing gas demonstrations were a popular source of entertainment and enjoyment. First-hand accounts of Relative Analgesia “I started feeling warm all over. The elevator-type music they had on was starting to all sound the same and I could have sworn that they were looping the same song over and over and over. I remember somewhat the dentist coming in and telling me that this is going to be a “Three Martini Cleaning” and asked me if I preferred Strawberry Daiquiri or Pina Colada. The taste of Pina Colada filled my gums and then I saw the needle with the local anesthesia for a second, but he must have decided not to use it because I seriously didn’t feel anything. I was already under a nice level buzz from the N20 and I could feel myself relaxing into the chair — the drugs were finally kicking in.

The Pina Colada taste in my mouth made me start thinking of previous Caribbean vacations…” “I’m still smelling cherry flavor :-).You start with O2 of course and a few minutes later he asked how i was doing and basically nothing happened so he had to increase it a couple of times and finally I started to relax a bit. No real loopiness but just a sense of yeah I can get thru this. The biggest sensation was my legs felt kinda heavy as if to say maybe I want to stay here a while. Thinking like that I knew the gas was definitely working!! I WANTED TO STAY AT THE DENTIST!!!! Can you believe this.” How does nitrous oxide work? Today, we know that nitrous oxide (N2O) on its own can only safely be used for short periods of time (because the lack of oxygen in pure N2O can lead to unconsciousness and even death) – but that it’s safe to use for longer periods of time if you mix it with oxygen (O2). Hence, the “laughing gas” used now is called N2O-O2, and contains at least 30% oxygen (that’s all the machines used nowadays will permit).

Usually, the mix is about 70% oxygen to 30% nitrous oxide. In medicine, sometimes a mix of 50% oxygen to 50% nitrous oxide is used. This is known as entonox or, more commonly, “gas and air”. Depending on the concentration and length of administration of laughing gas, four levels of sedation can be experienced (after an initial feeling of light-headedness): a tingling sensation, especially in the arms and legs, or a feeling of vibration (“parasthesia”), quickly followed by warm sensations, and a feeling of well-being, euphoria and/or floating. During heavier sedation, hearing may dissolve into a constant, electronic-like throbbing. At a deeper level of sedation again, sleepiness, difficulty to keep one’s eyes open or speak (“dream”) can occur. Should nausea set in, it means you’re definitely oversedated! If you experience any unpleasant symptoms, let your dentist know so that they can adjust the percentage of N2O. Alternatively, just take the mask off. During relative analgesia, you should stay within the first three stages.

The “dream” stage means that the N2O concentration is too high, or that the gas has been administered for too long. This stage can be associated with side effects such as nausea and other potentially unpleasant sensations, including flashbacks. N2O concentration should always be gradually increased (“titrated”) at each visit, because people’s tolerance can vary from day to day. If you’ve had bad experiences with laughing gas in the past, it is highly likely that these were due to improper administration and too high a concentration of N2O. Interestingly, the actual mechanism of action of N2O is still unknown (it appears that there are quite a few different mechanisms at work)! However, it’s been observed that N2O depresses almost all forms of sensation – especially hearing, touch and pain, and that it seems to disinhibit some emotional centers in the brain. The ability to concentrate or perform intelligent acts is only minimally affected, as is memory. How is nitrous oxide administered? The equipment used for delivering “happy gas” is quite simple. It consists of a supply of compressed gases and an apparatus which delivers the gases to the client.

By turning some knobs and flipping on/off switches, the administrator can produce the desired mix of N2O-O2 in the desired quantities. Flowmeters and pressure gauges allow the administrator to keep an eye on the flow of gases. The desired N2O-O2 mix is fed through a tube to which a nasal hood or cannula is attached. This hood is put over your nose. All you have to do now is breathe normally through your nose – bingo! In modern machines there is a sort of double mask (see photo) where the outside mask is connected to a vacuum machine to suck away the waste gas – you wouldn’t want your dentist to get a face full of N2O… The white inside mask, which is placed over your nose, comes in lots of yummy scents – such as vanilla, strawberry, and mint! The one pictured to the left is scented with vanilla (that’s the one I’d go for), but Gordon likes the minty one best… The twin tubes running to the mask are for “gas in” and “gas out”. The “gas out” line is attached to the vacuum machine, while the “gas in” line is attached to the RA (short for relative analgesia) machine.

The inner mask is attached to the “line in”, you breathe out through a one-way valve in the inner mask, and the exhaust gas is collected inside the outer grey mask (pictured to your right) and sucked into the vacuum machine. What are the advantages of nitrous oxide? Nitrous oxide works very rapidly – it reaches the brain within 20 seconds, and relaxation and pain-killing properties develop after 2 or 3 minutes. The depth of sedation can be altered from moment to moment, allowing the person who administers the gas to increase or decrease the depth of sedation. Other sedation techniques don’t allow for this. For example, with IV sedation, it’s easy to deepen the level of sedation, but difficult to lessen it. Whereas with laughing gas, the effects are almost instant. Other sedation techniques have a fixed duration of action (because the effects of pills or intravenous drugs last for a specific time span), whereas gas can be given for the exact time span it’s needed for. It can also be switched off when not needed and then switched on again (though to avoid a roller-coaster effect, you shouldn’t do this too abruptly).

There’s no “hangover” effect – the gas is eliminated from the body within 3 to 5 minutes after the gas supply is stopped. You can safely drive home and don’t need an escort. With nitrous oxide, it’s easy to give incremental doses until the desired action is obtained (this is called “titration”). So the administrator has virtually absolute control over the action of the drug, preventing the possibility of accidental overdoses. While giving incremental doses is possible with IV sedation, it’s not possible with oral sedation (as a result, oral sedation can be a bit of a hit-and-miss affair). For certain procedures – those involving gums rather than teeth (e. g. deep cleaning) – it may be possible to use nitrous instead of local anaesthesia. N2O acts as a painkiller on soft tissues such as gums. However, its pain-relieving effects vary a lot from person to person and can’t be relied upon. No injection is required. In cases of very severe needle phobia, getting laughing gas first can help you feel relaxed enough to allow the needle required for IV sedation to be inserted in your arm or hand.

The very deep state of sedation achievable through IV sedation will then allow you to accept local anaesthetic. Inhalation sedation is very safe. It has very few side effects and the drugs used have no ill effects on the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, or brain. Inhalation sedation has been found to be very effective in eliminating or at least minimizing severe gagging. Are there any disadvantages? Some people are not comfortable with the effects of laughing gas (either because they’re afraid they might lose control or because it makes them feel nauseous – this is quite rare, though, and usually due to oversedation). If you’re prone to nausea, it’s a good idea to have a meal (not a huge one) about 4 hours before your appointment. If that’s not possible (e. g. an early morning appointment), make sure your stomach isn’t completely empty – but don’t stuff yourself straight beforehand either.

According to Gordon, who’s a bit of an expert in the field, the normal working concentration of gases is about 70% oxygen to 30% nitrous oxide: “It’s rare to go beyond that because that’s what brings on the nausea, more than 45% N2O and you’re going to have the patient puke on you :grin:”. Some people will not achieve adequate sedation with permissible levels of oxygen. If you can’t breathe through your nose (either because you’re a pure mouth breather, or because your nose is blocked), or you feel too claustrophobic when something is put over your nose, it can’t be used. Depending on where you live, a dentist who offers nitrous oxide may be hard to come by. Apart from that, most of the disadvantages of inhalation sedation don’t affect you, but the dental team: there’s training required, the equipment is quite bulky and takes up a lot of space, and there is a possibility that dental staff who are chronically exposed to nitrous oxide might develop health problems.

The cost of the equipment and gases is high, so you’ll have to contribute to the cost – but it’s quite a bit cheaper than IV sedation. What about bad experiences with laughing gas? On rare occasions, people have reported a bad experience with nitrous oxide. Usually this is due to oversedation – getting too much N2O in the mix. This is easily reversible by reducing the amount of N2O. For example, a few people have reported auditory and “physical” hallucinations, dizziness, or vertigo. Don’t panic if you should experience this. While these symptoms are usually due to the N2O concentration being too high for you, the machines used nowadays have built-in safety features preventing an accidental overdose. Nonetheless, these sensations can be unpleasant – let your dentist know asap about any unpleasant sensations or symptoms so that they can adjust the percentage of N2O. Laughing, becoming giddy, crying, or uncoordinated movements are other signs that the NO2 concentration is too high, but these will easily be spotted by your dentist. Alternatively, just rip the mask off your nose!

Don’t confuse “dizziness” with the normal feeling of lightheadedness which many people who’ve never had N2O before experience after maybe 60 or 90 seconds. The feeling of lightheadedness will pass as the concentration of N2O is increased. Some experts in this field (e. g. Stanley Malamed) argue that nitrous oxide should always be “titrated”. This means gradually increasing the percentage of nitrous oxide in the N2O – O2 mix until a comfortable level is reached. The reason why titration should ideally be used every single time is because of potential adverse effects in the event of oversedation (including flashbacks of traumatic past events, as well as physical ill-effects). However, other experts (e.g. Fred Quarnstrom) say that it’s ok to use a mix based on prior experience (a concentration which a particular patient has experienced as pleasant during previous appointments). Quite a lot of dentists do this because it’s quicker. The problem with this approach is that tolerance can vary from visit to visit, depending on both psychological and physiological factors. What is experienced as pleasant varies from person to person and from day to day.

And once a person has been oversedated, they may come to dislike nitrous oxide so much that they don’t want to try it again. Are there any contraindications? There aren’t any major contraindications to relative analgesia, except for M.S., emphysema and some exotic chest problems. It hasn’t been proven to be safe during the first trimester of pregnancy, so you can’t use it then. Because you have to breathe it in through your nose, it’s not suitable for people who have a cold or some other condition which prevents them from breathing through their nose. You can’t be allergic to N2O. It’s also safe to use if you suffer from epilepsy, liver disease, heart disease, diabetes, or cerebrovascular disease. It is also used quite successfully in many people with respiratory disease – but it depends on the exact nature of the disease, so check with your dentist! How do I know if it’s for me? Why not ask if you can have a 5 minute ‘sample’ so that you know what to expect on the day of your procedure? Many thanks to Gordon Laurie BDS for his advice and help while writing this page – and for the photos.

Question: What is the common name for nitrous oxide?
Answer: Laughing Gas